AFC Fylde: We Were The Better Team

Posted byFC Halifax Town

Posted on Sun 3 Sep 2017

Posted inInterviews

After playing a part in both goals, earning a win and the full three points, FC Halifax Town’s Josh MacDonald told Shaymen TV that he was delighted with the performance following Town’s 2-1 victory over AFC Fylde.

The winger, who tormented left-back Josh Ezewele until being replaced by Danny Clarke in the second half, saw his cross eventually lead to Town’s equalising goal after Adam Morgan’s header fell to Tom Denton. Not only that, it was MacDonald who found Denton in the box once again for his 76th minute winner.

With both goals coming in front of the South Stand, the MBi Shay Stadium was rocking come the final whistle, and MacDonald says this result is one the players were desperate for.

“It was a massive three points, we owed them from (doing the double over us) last year so it was good to get the three points. The lads dug in in the second half and we got the result, it was all good.

“Before the game all the lads were saying how much we wanted to beat them, it gets you a bit more buzzed up for the game”.

Despite no goals coming in the opening 45 minutes, both sides saw plenty of excellent chances to open the scoring. Dion Charles and Morgan came close for the Shaymen on multiple occasions, whereas Danny Rowe looked as sharp as usual for the visitors.

After the break, it was that man Rowe to neatly finish for the Coasters before Town showed an incredible determination to prevent an upset. For MacDonald, it was important for the Shaymen to stay focussed, and he was pleased that team-mate Denton got his rewards.

“They came out (of half time) very fast whereas we came out a bit sluggish, but once we sorted it out I thought we were the better team.

“If you stay in the game you are going to get chances, like we did. We got some good chances and Denton put two of them away so we stayed in the game and got our reward.

“The gaffer wants me to be crossing balls in more. He (the defender) backed off me for the first one because he thought I was cutting in so I crossed it. Obviously, Morgan heads onto the bar and Denton puts it away.

“A lot of people think he can only use his head but in training he shows that he can use his feet well and pick the corners out. He showed everyone that today and put his shot in the top right corner”.

It was not only Denton’s goal habits that MacDonald discussed. Speaking about his search for a goal, MacDonald said: “…Hopefully, it will come eventually, but as long as I am providing assists and helping the team out that is all that matters”.

It was a great performance all round for Town, but it was particularly nice to see MacDonald display his good form once again, especially after his struggle with injury throughout last season.

For MacDonald, it is all about fining his feet again, but he is just happy that the team could keep the three points in West Yorkshire.

“The gaffer told me that he (Ezewele) was right footed and my preferred style is to go around the outside so I tried to do that as much as possible. We got the three points though so that is all that matters.

“I am still trying to find my legs because I have been in and out of the side. I am getting fitter everyday so hopefully I can get through 90 minutes soon”.

You can watch the interview with MacDonald along with more post-match reaction from Billy Heath and Denton on Shaymen TV.